Alta Campground
Alta Campground features 14 campsites with 1 host site, potable water, garbage, vault toilets, and handicap accessible picnic tables. Site will accept RV's or trailers to 30'. Sites can accommodate tents and/or RV's. Each site can accommodate up to 10 people and 2 vehicles. Water is available at several locations within the campground. Utility hookups are not available.
Alta Campground is located along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, a popular fishing river in the area. Large yellow-barked Ponderosa Pine tower above many of the campsites which along with fir, aspen and lodgepole pine provide shade for many of the campsites. Painted Rocks Lake is located less than 5 miles away by paved road. Wildlife in the area include, black bears, bald eagle, mule and whitetail deer, moose, and elk along with numerous songbirds. Bighorn sheep can often be seen in the area.
Attractions in the area include Horse Creek Hot Springs (about 18 miles on gravel road), historic ranger station (about 1 mile on paved and dirt road), and several scenic mountain peaks accessible by foot trail. Nearby Darby, MT (about 34 miles by paved road) is nearest full service city for all services. Post Office and miscellaneous supplies can be found at Conner, MT (about 22 miles away by paved road).
For information on road or fire restrictions call the West Fork Ranger Station at 406-821-3269.
Site closed by snow annually.
Alta Campground
Sites located at Alta Campground
Reservations
Make Reservations HereSome sites are reservable, and others are available on a first-come first-served basis. $15 Nightly/Daily rates. For reservable sites, individual sites at this campground operate on a 6-month rolling basis.
General Information
$15/Night for single unit, $5/Night for extra vehicle. You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.
Bears frequent the area - A Food Storage Order is in effect on all National Forest System lands within the Montana portion of the Bitterroot National Forest from March 1 - December 1 annually.
- Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days. After 16 days, you must move 5 miles away from your camp site, as the crow flies.
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. - 6 am
- Pets must be leashed in the campground. Consider leashing dogs at all trailheads the first few miles of the trail to prevent user conflicts in congested areas.
- Food Storage Required
- Campfires allowed depending on Fire Danger level. Ensure your campfire is OUT before you leave.
- Do not rinse or wash dishes/etc. out of the creek. Do it on land.
- Respect wildlife
- Use of fireworks or other explosives is prohibited on all National Forest lands
- Firing a gun is not allowed in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area, across or on a road or body of water, or in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Additional Vehicle: $5 per night
$15/Night for single unit, $5/Night for extra vehicle
Dogs must be leashed.
Contact Name: West Fork Ranger District
Contact Phone: 406-821-3269
Address: 6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3269
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.62416667
Longitude: -114.3011111
Elevation
4,580 feet
Directions
From Darby, Montana drive south for 4 miles on Highway 93, turn south (right) on West Fork Road (State Hwy 473) (towards Painted Rocks State Park). Alta Campground is located on your right approximately 29 miles from this intersection. Approximately 53 min (34 miles).
From Hamilton, Montana drive south for 20 miles on Highway 93, turn south (right) on West Fork Road (State Hwy 473) (towards Painted Rocks State Park). Alta Campground is located on your right approximately 29 miles from this intersection. Approximately 1 hr 13 min (50 miles).
Travel Considerations
Minimal cell phone coverage turns to no cell phone coverage after you turn on West Fork Road.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The campground offers 14 campsites, three of which are accessible.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Biking
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning
Picnicking
Water Activities
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
Fly fishing and wading in the Bitterroot River, which runs alongside the campground, are popular activities. During high water season, canoeing and rafting are available as well.
Day Hikes Info
Hiking trails to various mountain peaks, including to Lookout, Razorback and Thunder Mountains, as well as Beaver and Deer Creek Points, are nearby. The Alta Pine interpretive trail is nearby.
Viewing Wildlife
Interpretive Areas/ExhibitsViewing Wildlife Info
A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including bald eagles, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep and numerous songbirds.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
The Alta Ranger Station, located on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, was the first Forest Service Ranger Station in the United States, built in 1899. It remains a popular tourist location and is just minutes from the campground.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout.
OHV Road RidingOHV Road Riding Info
Horse Creek natural hot springs can be found about 18 miles south from the campground, via gravel road with high-clearance vehicle recommended. A variety of unimproved roads are great for exploring by off-road vehicle. One bear-proof container is provided at the campground for those traveling on ATV to properly store food and other attractants.